Red Baron is a cross between Golden Delicious and the variety @8701, first bred in 1926 at the University of Minnesota’s Horticulture Research Center. It was selected as Minnesota 1500 in 1940 by Professor W.H. Alderman and was released in 1970.

Fruit Characteristics

• Texture & Flavor: A juicy, crisp apple that holds its shape well when baked, making it an excellent choice for pies.

• Browning: While it doesn’t resist browning when cut, it still remains a popular choice for cooking.

• Storage: Not the best storage apple, but will keep for about 4–5 weeks.

• Highly resistant to apple scab.

• Moderately resistant to fire blight, rust, and mildew.

Hardiness & Growing Conditions

• Cold Hardy to -40F—these trees have survived down to -38F in the Bitterroot without any winter injury, making them suitable for colder climates.

• Grafted onto semi-dwarf M26 rootstock, which is also hardy to -40F.